What is the most reliable Ford Super Duty engine?
The most reliable Ford Super Duty engine is the 7.3-liter Godzilla V8 gasoline engine, renowned for its durability, simplicity, and straightforward maintenance. This article explains why it’s viewed as the most dependable option, how it stacks up against the diesel alternative, and what reliability means for owners through 2024.
Reliability in the Super Duty lineup depends on design simplicity, absence of turbocharging on the gas engine, and the level of emission-control equipment. Diesel engines deliver high torque and long-range capability but come with higher maintenance costs and more complex systems. The analysis below weighs those factors against real-world owner experiences and service data up to 2024.
Engine options and reliability considerations
Before listing the main engines, here is a quick note on what you’re choosing between in terms of reliability: gasoline engines favor low-cost maintenance and simplicity, while diesels offer torque and endurance but require more frequent upkeep on emission systems and fuel systems.
- 7.3L Godzilla V8 gasoline
- 6.2L V8 gasoline (base/alternative gasoline option in some trims)
- 6.7L Power Stroke diesel
In practice, the Godzilla 7.3L is widely favored for long-term reliability in everyday use and moderate towing, while the diesel remains the workhorse for heavy towing and high-mileage fleets, provided maintenance is kept up.
Why the 7.3L Godzilla stands out
The 7.3L Godzilla is a pushrod V8 with an iron block and headlining features that emphasize durability and ease of service. It is naturally aspirated, lacks turbocharging, and contains fewer emissions sensors than modern diesels, contributing to a lower likelihood of certain failure modes. Owners report strong uptime, simple maintenance intervals, and less need for specialized diagnostic tools compared with diesel powertrains.
What to know about the diesel option
The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel is exceptionally capable and typically very reliable when properly maintained. It uses advanced emissions controls (DEF, DPF, EGR) and a high-pressure common-rail fuel system, which can add complexity and maintenance costs. Some model years experienced issues with fuel-system components or DEF management, but many owners enjoy long lifespans with regular service and careful driving.
Where the gasoline base (6.2L) fits in
The 6.2L V8 gasoline engine offers reliable performance with fewer moving parts than a diesel, making it a solid choice for drivers who need strong, straightforward capability without diesel exhaust complexity. It isn’t as torquey as the diesel or as refined in high-load towing scenarios, but it remains a dependable option for typical daily use and moderate payloads.
Bottom-line guidance for buyers
Choosing the most reliable engine depends on how you plan to use the truck. If you prioritize straightforward reliability, lower maintenance complexity, and easy service, the 7.3L Godzilla is the strongest overall pick for most owners. If you routinely tow at high capacities, carry heavy loads, or drive long distances with limited downtime for maintenance, the 6.7L Power Stroke remains a formidable option, provided you stay on top of diesel-specific maintenance. The 6.2L gasoline offers a middle ground with solid reliability and less-maintenance demand than diesel, but with less torque.
Summary
Across the Ford Super Duty lineup, the 7.3L Godzilla gasoline engine is widely regarded as the most reliable overall due to its simple, durable design and maintenance simplicity. Diesel options deliver maximum torque and long-term durability but require diligent maintenance and higher ownership costs. Your best choice depends on workload, towing needs, and tolerance for maintenance complexity.
Which Ford Super Duty engine is the best?
The most reliable Ford diesel engines are the 7.3L Power Stroke V8 and the 6.7L Power Stroke V8. The 7.3L is most reliable in longevity, often reaching 300,000 to 500,000 miles with proper maintenance. The 6.7L is most reliable at higher towing capacity, with an upper gooseneck limit of 40,000 lb.
Which is better, 7.3 gas or 6.7 Power Stroke?
The main differences are that the 6.7L diesel engine offers significantly more torque and better fuel efficiency (especially when towing), while the 7.3L gas engine is cheaper to purchase, lighter, and has more horsepower at higher RPMs. The best choice depends on your needs: choose the 6.7L diesel for heavy-duty towing and commercial use, and the 7.3L gas for lighter towing and general use where lower upfront costs are prioritized.
This video explains the performance difference between 6.7L diesel and 7.3L gas engines in Ford Super Duty trucks: 47sJB ReviewsYouTube · Nov 19, 2023
6.7L Powerstroke Diesel
- Performance: Has substantially more torque, making it ideal for heavy-duty towing and hauling.
- Fuel Efficiency: Gets better average fuel economy compared to the gas engine, though fuel costs can be higher.
- Cost: Has a higher initial purchase price.
- Maintenance: Can have higher maintenance costs and requires exhaust fluid (DEF).
- Driving Experience: Less prone to "hunting" for gears when towing up hills.
- Ideal For: Towing very heavy loads (14,000 lbs or more) or frequent commercial use.
You can watch this video to see how the 6.7L diesel engine performs when towing heavy loads: 45sJB ReviewsYouTube · Nov 12, 2023
7.3L Godzilla Gas
- Performance: Has more horsepower at higher RPMs, but significantly less torque than the diesel.
- Fuel Efficiency: Lower fuel efficiency compared to the diesel, especially when towing.
- Cost: Cheaper to purchase upfront.
- Maintenance: Generally has lower maintenance costs and no need for DEF.
- Driving Experience: Can feel underpowered when towing heavy loads and may require more gear-shifting.
- Ideal For: Lighter towing (around 10,000 lbs) or general use where lower purchase cost is a priority.
This video compares the 7.3L gas engine with the 6.7L diesel engine for truck owners: 58sT & T Landscape & MasonryYouTube · Dec 10, 2022
Is the 6.7 or 6.2 F250 Super Duty better?
As seen in the table above, the 6.7L V8 engine can carry a much larger towing capacity than the 6.2L V8 and 7.3L V8. Make sure to check your owner's manual to determine your exact towing capacity.
Which Ford engine lasts the longest?
Diesel engines.
Ford trucks and SUVs with diesel engines will last much longer than their gasoline counterparts. Diesel engines are known for their longevity, frequently surpassing 400,000 miles. There are even reports of a Ford diesel engine making it to 1 million miles.
